Kola-nut ceremony: a wedding guide

Your wishlist

Answer these before you meet anyone.

• How would you like the kola and accompaniments arranged?

  A relative bringing the kola is part of the honor.

• What would you like the kola presented on?

  The carved okwa oji is often a family piece.

• In what language would you like the blessing?

What to ask each one

• Who arranges the kola and accompaniments?

  Family-arranged is the norm — an aunt or uncle bringing the kola is part of the honor. The rite uses oji Igbo, the kola with three or more lobes (Cola acuminata); the two-lobed gworo is not used for it. Ose oji, the peanut-and-pepper paste, goes beside it with the alligator pepper and garden eggs.

• The presentation bowl

  The carved wooden okwa oji is often a family piece that has opened many ceremonies — a purchased one starts that story for the next generation.

• Who supplies the palm wine?

How it’s usually priced

Usually priced as one flat amount.

Possible extras: Kola nuts & accompaniments, Presentation bowl (okwa oji), Palm wine.

What you settle once booked

• Who blesses and breaks the kola?

  The honor traditionally belongs to the eldest man present, and the prayer is his, in Igbo — naming him early is a mark of respect, not an errand. Record his name so the MC and program carry it correctly.

• Where does the breaking sit in the program?

• Language of the blessing

  The blessing is said in Igbo — the saying is that kola does not hear English (oji anaghi anu Bekee) — and many families follow it with an English rendering for the guests. Record the choice so the MC introduces it right.

What to look over

Correct these details as needed.

• How much kola and accompaniments?

The day-of sheet

Confirm arrival, finish, who to call, access, a meal, and what is due.

Across the whole day

Choose which moments to include.

• Kola-nut presentation